To make sure firefighters could take breaks to stay hydrated and not get overheated, they had to call in extra units and crews, Hood added.

Officials didn't know the fire's cause but believe it started in Building 15, which had eight apartments, he said. That building was gutted and four apartments in each of three surrounding buildings were damaged.

Hood couldn't confirm that someone had been barbecuing on a patio of Building 15 — something several people mentioned to reporters.

He said the last inspection at the complex was in August and turned up no problems.

The Red Cross was on the scene to assist those displaced. Officials didn't have a firm number of how many people were staying in the 20 units.